Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend announced Wednesday he is lifting the suspension of public liturgies beginning the weekend of May 23 and 24.

The dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will continue through August 15.

Bishop Rhoades is requiring parishes to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines within the church and on parish property.

Congregants will also be required to wear face masks at liturgies.

"After much consultation, I have decided to lift the suspension on public liturgies here in our diocese beginning on the weekend of May 23-24, the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord. Though we were not able to celebrate in person together the Resurrection of the Lord on Easter Sunday, we will be able to celebrate together Our Lord's glorious Ascension. Mass attendance that weekend and following will need to be limited in order to observe the necessary social distancing within our churches," Rhoades wrote in a letter to the faithful.